Ecologists have been monitoring three metapopulations of sawflies. Population A has a patch colonization rate of 0.08 and a patch extinction rate of 0.11. Population B has a patch colonization rate of 0.05 and a patch extinction rate of 0.04. Population C has a patch colonization rate of 0.10 and a patch extinction rate of 0.08. According to Levins's metapopulation model, which of these populations would be expected to persist for a long time?
A) Population A only
B) Population B only
C) Population C only
D) Populations B and C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Levins's metapopulation model, a population is expected to persist if the colonization rate is greater than the extinction rate. Populations B and C have colonization rates greater than their extinction rates (0.05 > 0.04 and 0.10 > 0.08, respectively), indicating they are likely to persist. Population A has a colonization rate less than its extinction rate (0.08 < 0.11), so it is not expected to persist.

Ecologists Have Been Monitoring Three Metapopulations of Sawflies